Pakistan's decision to start three one-day internationals against Australia at 6pm has not appeased the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), which had been concerned about the extreme day-time heat in the UAE in August-September. The late starts, confirmed by the PCB on Thursday, mean the one-day games in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will not finish until 1.45am local time, which the ACA chief executive Paul Marsh said created a whole new set of safety issues.

Marsh said the ACA was now seeking feedback from Australia's one-day players about whether they were comfortable with the arrangements. The organisation is also assessing whether it will be safe to go ahead with the series, which has provided a scheduling headache for the PCB due to the lack of suitable venues to host a series of three ODIs and three Twenty20s at that time of year.

Despite being granted permission by the ICC to change the series to six Twenty20s, which would allow the matches to be played in relatively cooler evening conditions, Pakistan decided to push ahead with the 50-over portion of the tour, in part to satisfy a broadcast deal. Marsh said he had spoken to Cricket Australia about the ACA's concerns, which now included the playing hours as well as the heat.

"We've spoken about it several times and they are certainly aware of our views on this issue," Marsh told ESPNcricinfo. "We're concerned about the heat and we're not comfortable with the playing hours. There are issues there with the players playing sport at that time of night. How aware are players going to be?

"Are there any safety issues of playing sport at that time of the night? If you're standing there facing someone bowling at 150kph, are you going to be more tired at that time of day than you [otherwise] would be? Can they adjust their sleep patterns to play at that time of day? There are all of those things we have to look at. This tour has been put on for commercial reasons, not necessarily cricket reasons, and that's why there's ongoing frustration from our perspective.

"We can't stop Cricket Australia scheduling games at this time of the day. We have an MoU [memorandum of understanding] in place that has parameters around scheduling, but that is pretty much to do with number of games in total, breaks between games and those types of things. This type of issue we haven't encountered before."

International cricket has never been held in the UAE in June, July, August or September, the hottest months in the country, and the ACA's original concerns surrounded the possibility of the players being asked to play in 40-plus heat during the day. Marsh said that while the heat remained an issue even with the late start times, the tour would go ahead unless serious safety issues arose.

"I'm not particularly comfortable with it," he said. "I'm not sure there's much we can do. From a heat perspective, Cricket Australia has a duty to provide safe working conditions for its players, whether that relates to security or heat or dangerous pitches or any other issues. We're going through a process of trying to assess whether it's safe.

"In saying that, our players and cricketers around the world play in hot conditions. It's a summer game and there are plenty of times when players play in extreme heat. I don't want this to sound like we're trying to get this tour stopped, because we're not. But it's our job to assess the conditions professionally and do our due diligence and then report back to the playing group."

A Cricket Australia spokesman said that while the series had been scheduled at unusual times, it was important to support Pakistan to ensure the series went ahead. Cricket Australia also had concerns about playing one-day internationals during the extreme heat of the UAE day-time.

"We're very conscious of the fact Pakistan have had a lot of challenges organising this series," the CA spokesman said. "At various times they thought they had arrangements elsewhere. They wanted to play in Sri Lanka and that fell over. There was talk about Malaysia and that fell over. We sympathise and support what they want to do.

"We do support not playing in the heat of the day in the UAE at this time of year. The heat gets up into the 40s during the day and they've scheduled the games at a time of day when the temperatures are what we're used to and are reasonable. It is a one-off and unusual situation. It's an unusual time of day and an unusual circumstance but we sympathise with Pakistan and we're keen to do what we can to support them."

The one-day internationals, to be held from August 28 to September 3, will finish at 2.45am Pakistan time. The T20s, which are scheduled for September 5-10 in Abu Dhabi, will begin at 8pm local time, which is 9pm in Pakistan.

Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets here

Even ladies' cricketers would not have such issues - heat and timings - The aussies shd act like MEN and get on with the game... I didnt hear anyone complaining playing day games in Perth under 40 degrees and neither did I hear anyone complaining playing the Australian Open in Melbourne under the heat. And to be fair, the PCB is playing them only in the evening to get lower temperatures! Dont hear the Pakistani cricketers complaining about the heat - its the same for them!!

I can't see what the problem is - in Oz during very hot/humid days the umpires take leniency on drink breaks & allow extra breaks plus the usual running out with drinks between overs... I think the umpires will take conditions into context & both teams management will be talking about the need for the extra rest breaks in the ODI's... A bit of common sense will prevail...

mihir_nam
on July 7, 2012, 19:33 GMT

Common PCB.play ODI's in Europe , Where there are good number of Pakistani Ex-Pats.
and T20 in UAE

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 16:48 GMT

Yet another issue for Pakistan series..... Pakistan may play 3 T20's now and play 3 ODI,s in NZ in December-january ................

chappelis_last_blast
on July 7, 2012, 12:48 GMT

Thats pretty hot at night!!, But I think you can work around it you professional cricketers, it's not like you worked that morning or worked all week leading up to a match. You can prepare and have help replenishing fluids whilst playing. The tv channels need your help promoting needless ODI's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Syed_imran_abbas
on July 7, 2012, 12:39 GMT

It must be too cold for aussies in england? are they postponding the england series? C,mon ACA stop poking ur unnecessary nose to every matter to show ur existance.

dnarmstrong
on July 7, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Why would you play cricket in summer in the UAE? Surely no one wants to watch players out there near collapsing due to the humidity, it just doesn't feel right. Everyone wants to support Pakistan but lets gets the scheduling done properly. More triangular or four team tournaments in india and sri lanka maybe? Pakistan, India and Australia playing in India. Absolutely massive.
I certainly don't want to make players suffer so that I can watch some cricket anyway.

AndyZaltzmannsHair
on July 7, 2012, 12:00 GMT

@kiwirocker: calm down, meety isn't being nasty towards Pak cricket, he's just stating the obstacles they have to go through. And Aussie cricket is going through its own transition stage. It may take some time before they're at the top again, but these things tend to be cyclical. And I'm a Pak fan, I can't see Aus being down for too long.

bishkekrawalpindi
on July 7, 2012, 11:35 GMT

@Helix 28, contrary to your statement ACA and Cricket Australia have always supported Pakistan in tough circumstances, they have in the past played against Pakistan outside their own calendar just because we did not have enough games when teams were not touring Pakistan.
Ricky Ponting was the first to condemn statements made by the likes of Malcolm Speed and Nasser Hussain when they suggested that Pakistan should be banned from international cricket. Please abstain from angry and unjustified remarks.

cricfan11465064
on July 8, 2012, 14:31 GMT

Even ladies' cricketers would not have such issues - heat and timings - The aussies shd act like MEN and get on with the game... I didnt hear anyone complaining playing day games in Perth under 40 degrees and neither did I hear anyone complaining playing the Australian Open in Melbourne under the heat. And to be fair, the PCB is playing them only in the evening to get lower temperatures! Dont hear the Pakistani cricketers complaining about the heat - its the same for them!!

I can't see what the problem is - in Oz during very hot/humid days the umpires take leniency on drink breaks & allow extra breaks plus the usual running out with drinks between overs... I think the umpires will take conditions into context & both teams management will be talking about the need for the extra rest breaks in the ODI's... A bit of common sense will prevail...

mihir_nam
on July 7, 2012, 19:33 GMT

Common PCB.play ODI's in Europe , Where there are good number of Pakistani Ex-Pats.
and T20 in UAE

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 16:48 GMT

Yet another issue for Pakistan series..... Pakistan may play 3 T20's now and play 3 ODI,s in NZ in December-january ................

chappelis_last_blast
on July 7, 2012, 12:48 GMT

Thats pretty hot at night!!, But I think you can work around it you professional cricketers, it's not like you worked that morning or worked all week leading up to a match. You can prepare and have help replenishing fluids whilst playing. The tv channels need your help promoting needless ODI's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Syed_imran_abbas
on July 7, 2012, 12:39 GMT

It must be too cold for aussies in england? are they postponding the england series? C,mon ACA stop poking ur unnecessary nose to every matter to show ur existance.

dnarmstrong
on July 7, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Why would you play cricket in summer in the UAE? Surely no one wants to watch players out there near collapsing due to the humidity, it just doesn't feel right. Everyone wants to support Pakistan but lets gets the scheduling done properly. More triangular or four team tournaments in india and sri lanka maybe? Pakistan, India and Australia playing in India. Absolutely massive.
I certainly don't want to make players suffer so that I can watch some cricket anyway.

AndyZaltzmannsHair
on July 7, 2012, 12:00 GMT

@kiwirocker: calm down, meety isn't being nasty towards Pak cricket, he's just stating the obstacles they have to go through. And Aussie cricket is going through its own transition stage. It may take some time before they're at the top again, but these things tend to be cyclical. And I'm a Pak fan, I can't see Aus being down for too long.

bishkekrawalpindi
on July 7, 2012, 11:35 GMT

@Helix 28, contrary to your statement ACA and Cricket Australia have always supported Pakistan in tough circumstances, they have in the past played against Pakistan outside their own calendar just because we did not have enough games when teams were not touring Pakistan.
Ricky Ponting was the first to condemn statements made by the likes of Malcolm Speed and Nasser Hussain when they suggested that Pakistan should be banned from international cricket. Please abstain from angry and unjustified remarks.

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 9:45 GMT

let ,these games begin, mr. Marsh , why become obstacle between thesegames ,only to prove your worth , ckt fans are waiting for this series ,between two great bowiling gaints ,ok .

frozendilemma
on July 7, 2012, 9:29 GMT

this tug of war is seriously taking away the attention from the game itself which shows how far Cricket is behind other world sports...

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 9:24 GMT

what agood comment by a guy named FAROOQ HUSSIAN that he will put afridi ,ajmal ,hafeez ,and rahman as bowlers ,so that aussies couldn,t face any problem in wee hours , fine ,

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 9:01 GMT

Heat is a matte of concern for PCB tooo.... coz its really really hot over hear 49c at nights.....

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 8:57 GMT

Games of Commercial Benefits........

helix82
on July 7, 2012, 8:18 GMT

Weird how heat and security is not a problem in IPL. ACA has never supported Pakistan cricket. Empty statements mean nothing. Pakistan should just stop playing cricket with australia unless absolutely necessary in big tournaments, even if there are no home games and we need tours.

sohaibahmad
on July 7, 2012, 7:58 GMT

i have been in Abu Dhabi since 1996 and the temp at night during summers is almost 37-39deg C

pulkit10
on July 7, 2012, 7:53 GMT

Next you will have players refusing to tour England because it is "too cold". Makes up for quite a ridiculous excuse, doesn't it?

Honestly, it is not like temperatures in Australia don't go near the 40 mark or that the players (who, by the way, are rewarded handsomely for playing this sport) can't play for a bit in the heat (around the 30ish mark is actually not bad) - after all, all they'll do after playing in the heat is go back to their air conditioned suite in a 5 star hotel and rest until the next training session. Cricketers have been doing this for centuries, it's about time we stopped hearing paltry excuses like these. If you don't want to play, state it, don't dance around the issue saying "its too hot".

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 7:33 GMT

Pakistan should play SIX T-Twenty matches with Australia...

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 7:09 GMT

stop playing cricket if you are not professional to play in these conditions, you are acting like cry babies !

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 4:30 GMT

The conditions of play are crucial in determining which team is the winner. Whether it is the weather or the wickets. If the Australians cannot play in such conditions they should not berate the Pakistanis if the flounder on the wickets at the Gabba and the WACA. The weather in the middle east will be hot. There is no doubt about that. But that is the real test. Of fast bowlers being able to survive that test and still emerge triumphant.Champions are not made of having your own crowds bay for the opposition's blood and root for you in the same breath. The Australians seem to be going the same way as the West Indians. Sporadic brilliance. I am glad though that the West Indians is regrouping.I hope the Australians realise that they should be able to play i different conditions and still be winners. What is surprising in this whine is that Australia is very hot at times. And they still play.

KiwiRocker-
on July 7, 2012, 4:25 GMT

Meety: As usual you do not make much sense. Australian cricket is on decline with hardly any batsman of quality emerging, broken fast bowlers and who exactly is Australia's best spinner? Xavier who? When did Australia support Pakistan cricket? ACB has actually failed to do anything of note for PCB in difficult times. Australia has always been most reluctant tourist to Pakistan even in days of Jeff Thomas and lillee when Australia was white washed in Pakistan. Reality is that Pakistan does not need to prove anything by playing against Afghanistan and so on, as Pakistan has just white washed England. What exactly Australia has done recently apart from being hammered by poms? Australian big bash's top players have been Pakistanis,i.e Rana and Afridi. Australian players and association has double standards. Average Joe and retired Australian players beg for IPL contracts and play in blistering heat. Guess what! your Australian cricket team has also Pakistanis in it now! How Ironic!

jmcilhinney
on July 7, 2012, 3:32 GMT

@K.A.K on (July 06 2012, 19:27 PM GMT), that's obviously not an option given that 40 overs per side is not a recognised form of the game at international level. They're not going to invent a new form of the game with an accompanying new set of rules for this one tour. It may seem like no big deal to you but that's because you haven't really thought through all the possibilities.

prashnottz
on July 7, 2012, 2:43 GMT

These overpaid overhyped Aussie kids could learn a thing or two from the greats who braved 40 degree plus heat and pummelled Pakistan in the same place ten yrs back.

Meety
on July 7, 2012, 2:32 GMT

@cronus - that is probably because the ACA (Player Union) is stronger in Oz than probably any other country & so player protection is a non-negotiable. Oz have long been supporters of Pakistani cricket, with regular invites to our tri-series, back then it was one of the biggest money spinners in world cricket.
@Me_A_Gemini - would love to see the day when tours of Pakistan is back on the FTP. It's a shame the actions of a very small minority ruin things for the peace loving majority. My favourite non-Ozzy cricketer of all time was Imran Khan. I think Pakistan MUST schedule plenty of cricket against Bangladesh & Afghanistan to prove that it is safe to tour & play cricket there. (Upside being improved standards for Afg & Bang too).

dummy4fb
on July 7, 2012, 1:25 GMT

It probably wouldn't suit the Pakistani TV arrangements due to timezones, but could these matches not be played in places like Darwin and Cairns at that time of year? I know we've played Bangladesh up there before and it's only a lazy 32 degrees up there at that time of year.

A..B..
on July 6, 2012, 23:35 GMT

This is absolutely ridiculous from the ACA (which in my opinion is currently simply looking for issues to go on about). People in most jobs need to work past their normal work hours. 12 hour days are common. And here it isn't even an issue of a 12 hour day. Considering that the Australians will anyways have to adjust to jet lag traveling to the UAE, the argument of players being up to it at 1:45AM carries no wait. The heat in the afternoon I can agree with, but its a regular summer's 30 odd at night. There is really no reason to oppose this series apart from the fact that it is in addition to the pre-planned schedule of the players. As I was saying earlier, the ACA is merely trying to validate its existence

Shazia_Javed
on July 6, 2012, 23:10 GMT

and the funny thing to me is... Pakistan players are not complaining about the heat... it is the 'tough' guys crying... everyday a new statement.

HaiderDost
on July 6, 2012, 21:28 GMT

Can't they Blow Cool air in ground ? and if they cant do something to low down the temp then they must go only with T20's.

fsq09
on July 6, 2012, 20:15 GMT

I remember plying non stop cricket with a frnd in UAE starting around 11:30 in the morning till around 02:30 pm in mid june, mostly being bare footed and without the assistance of fielders getting the ball back on a sufficiently big place. I guess the duration is about as much the players are expected to be on the field fielding.. so all those commenting on the heat of uae should try not to make such a big issue outta it... with 6 pm start, its not that unbearable.. feel the facilities are there to pamper the players rather than stregnthning them...

fsq09
on July 6, 2012, 20:15 GMT

I remember plying non stop cricket with a frnd in UAE starting around 11:30 in the morning till around 02:30 pm in mid june, mostly being bare footed and without the assistance of fielders getting the ball back on a sufficiently big place. I guess the duration is about as much the players are expected to be on the field fielding.. so all those commenting on the heat of uae should try not to make such a big issue outta it... with 6 pm start, its not that unbearable.. feel the facilities are there to pamper the players rather than stregnthning them...

montys_muse
on July 6, 2012, 19:59 GMT

Aussie board isnt opposing playing T20 but its about ODIs. So stop blaming Aussie cricketers for playing the IPL in the chennai heat!!!

K.A.K
on July 6, 2012, 19:27 GMT

Make the matches 40 overs and start even later. Come-on Aussies, you can take this much heat.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 18:37 GMT

Just go for T20s. Good practice matches before World T20 starts. Simple!

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 18:36 GMT

Every team playes in other country whatever is the weather. If Australian cricket board has agreed to play in UAE, they will have to play even if it is hot out there!

Iqbalsh
on July 6, 2012, 18:19 GMT

Since Aussies are not natives of the UAE I can't see the issue with late night finishes or indeed what time the match starts/ends. Surely, like any other tour abroad all they need to do is acclimitise to the prevailing conditions.
In this case that includes the change in the time zone. It's not as if they are embarking on their very first tour away from home.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 17:53 GMT

Well Pakistan does not have many choices, do they? They tried Sri Lanka but the dates were clashing with the SLPL. They tried Malaysia but that idea did not work. So we did not have many choices. Though that is correct it's gonna be burning hot but what can be done? I think the idea of 6 T20s was much better. Because they could avoid intense heat there.

Muhtasim13
on July 6, 2012, 17:28 GMT

the temperatures in Chennai, Jaipur and Mohali are usually around 40 degrees during April-May. If the Australians can play there during the IPL, then I don't see the point of their objection regarding this series. And changing the composition of the series again and again is getting really annoying. the PCB & ACA have to sit down together and find out a pragmatic solution instead of announcing a different series every week

jmcilhinney
on July 6, 2012, 17:24 GMT

I'm not sure that the finishing time is that big a deal. It's certainly not ideal but they have tennis matches finishing at that time. If it was me, I'd rather that than playing in extreme heat. I'm not saying that there weren't legitimate reasons for stopping tours to Pakistan and I'm not saying that they should necessarily start them again right now but the sooner it happens the better for everyone. That situation is much bigger than cricket though.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 16:54 GMT

How is this possible! Is this a democracy?

Players from the Subcontinent goes to England and other places and faces bitter cold on the field! (and usually collapses in the conditions!). Nothing to worry. The opposite is happening now.

Stouffer
on July 6, 2012, 16:01 GMT

There is no way anyone should be playing a 50 over game of cricket here in August or September. I do worry about what will happen to the players, and hope that none of them suffer an ill effects. These are the most humid months in the year, and it is still pretty unpleasant after the sun has gone down. Not going to be very nice going to watch it either if it finises after 1am!!!!

bishkekrawalpindi
on July 6, 2012, 15:56 GMT

Can the one day games be restricted to 40 overs a side? And yes I do agree with one thing, Aussies are fitter then Pakistani youngsters because when we played a test match against them in hot summer days in UAE, we got bowled out for 52 and 54 in the test match, so this hot weather will not benefit us, and may well benefit the Aussies who should be used to playing in the heat.

PratUSA
on July 6, 2012, 15:49 GMT

May be Pakistan should look at Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands (or even Toronto) for venue if they want to play at this time of the year. It might be a cheap enough option and weather would certainly be lot better. As for fans coming to watch, well even in UAE most Pakistan 'home ' games are played in near empty stadiums.

cronus
on July 6, 2012, 15:27 GMT

@Hoggy_1989
Apart from the fact that Australia was the only country for the past 14 years to have not played in Pakistan.
Here is short compilation for you of the series other teams have played in Pakistan since 1999.

England - 2000
SriLanka - 2000

New Zealand - 2002

South Africa - 2003
New Zealand - 2003

India - 2004
SriLanka - 2004

England - 2005

West Indies - 2006
India - 2006

South Africa - 2007

SriLanka - 2008
India - 2008

Sri Lanka - 2009

It seems Aussies are the only how cow in the room or at least that is what they think.

KarmatBaig
on July 6, 2012, 15:22 GMT

Fully agree with Paul Marsh, to settle issues once and for all PCB and ACB should settle for 4 T20's as it would be better suited to the weather conditions. Playing late till 2:00 am sounds really stupid, no matter who gave this suggestion. PCB should either look for immediate alternative in the form of South Africa or Bangladesh if they really want to play one day internationals.

Mishraff12
on July 6, 2012, 14:55 GMT

Here is Dubai, it is unbearably hot at nights too with high humidity. It is ridicules to stage matches here during this period.

Omarrz
on July 6, 2012, 14:44 GMT

Adjust sleep patterns? What are Australian cricketers? A bunch of chickens? Everybody adjust their sleep pattern when they play either in WI or in Aus/NZ

PanGlupek
on July 6, 2012, 14:29 GMT

Forgive my ignorance, but is 45 degrees really much hotter than it is in Aus' summer? At the same time, couldn't the PCCB have tried to just make this a 6 match series & sacrificed a couple of T20's later in the year to satisfy broadcast rights? @Vaseem Siddiqi, I know things have changed a bit since then, but Pakistan weren't exactly gracious hosts last time England let them play "home" games there: Would be surprised if the ECB would welcome them back! Also, it will probably be raining for the next 9 months in England anyway!

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 14:13 GMT

Why cant Australian players bear the heat when Pakistani players can?

Me_A_Gemini
on July 6, 2012, 14:11 GMT

@Hoggy_1989: Very well said and behaved mate. But I think all the Australians are also aware of the fact why Pakistani fans are so frustrated. To the best of my knowledge, all the Australian team players have a great respect in Pakistani cricket community and fans. They want to watch Australia playing with Pakistan more often, specifically, in Pakistan. But unfortunately it is not possible at the moment. I hope all the Australian fans realize that all Pakistani fans want to enjoys the home games just as Australians do at their home. It is not happening; that's why we are frustrated.

ani.
on July 6, 2012, 13:55 GMT

@KiwiRocker. Pakistan kicked Australia out of World cup. wrong dude ! that's a league game.. Australia lost to India in Quarter fina in l WC. and why are you comparing Pakistan's test perfomance in sharjah with odis .. Pakistan has lost 4-0 to England in odis.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 13:44 GMT

This is hilarious. Really. I mean sportsmen complaining of heat is ludicrous. The next thing they'll ask for would be an indoor match with all the air conditioning facilities so that the little babies feel comfortable playing sport! I always thought Australians took their sport seriously and were tough competitors. What's up with the whiners complaining about heat? Or maybe it's about money after all and if the price is right ( as aptly pointed out by Rama Narayanaswamy) Australians are willing to play anywhere even if they have to play in Sahara desert.

jasonpete
on July 6, 2012, 13:40 GMT

@kiwirocker, small correction.we got knocked out by Indians in world cup QF and not by Pakistan.Match finishing time is ridiculously 1.45am not appropriate especially for the players.But nothing can't be done,it's for both the team members.So the show must go on.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 13:40 GMT

its pakistan - thats y they have issues secondly are they not "professional cricketers" ?? =]

themigtyatlas
on July 6, 2012, 13:20 GMT

Well it is considerable hotter in UAE than even the warmest cities in Australia (where international cricket is played). For example even in Cairns, the average high is only 31 in February. Same in Perth, lower in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. In Dubai for several months, not only is the average high near 40, the average LOW is around 30. So even from 6pm to midnight it could be pretty warm. But during the IPL season temperatures in many cities in India are at least close to the UAE in July/August/September if not higher. Maybe T20 is not problem but ODIs are twice as long.
But the sleep cycle issue is just embarassing. Workers plowing snow here in the northeastern United States work at all odd hours operating heavy equipment in very trying circumstances for a lot less money.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 13:07 GMT

if ipl wl held here in dubai or abu dhabi thn wat shud they do

Aussiexpat
on July 6, 2012, 12:58 GMT

Having lived in Abu Dhabi for 6 years, there is no way they should be playing in August. I'm predicting about 45C during the day with the sun going down around 7 p.m. The heat was so bad that your shirt is drenched in about 10 minutes of walking outside in the sun, so I'd hate to think what bowling and running between the wkts would do.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 12:55 GMT

i smell bad politics!!!!!!

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 12:06 GMT

For those telling Aussies et al to man up, a being utterly ridiculous.

The temps in the UAE in summer are unbearable, you can't scratch your nose without dripping in sweat.

The night times are worse, as the humidity in Ab Dab and Dubai rises from a daytime 50% to 70+%, especially as they are on the coast.

Summer here is rank, a very unpleasant time of year. Even as a big cricket fan, I will not even go and watch the games at this time of year, just foolish.

Hammond
on July 6, 2012, 11:52 GMT

More worried about the spinners than the conditions methinks.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 11:47 GMT

Surely you can see the difference between playing a T20 match compared to an ODI. If I were a player for any international team, I wouldn't want to be playing at 1am in the morning.

Hoggy_1989
on July 6, 2012, 11:40 GMT

@ KiwiRocker - Mate, calm down. There's a very good reason why Australia hasn't toured Pakistan since 1998 - go ask the Sri Lankan cricketers who were there last time why. @Vaseem Siddiqi: There's also a very good reason why Pakistan will *never* play home games in England again - Asif, Amir and Butt ruined that one for them with their spot fixing....and the ECB President said they weren't going to let Pakistan use England for home games ever again.
As for playing a game that late at night...most of the one day domestic games in Australia used to finish at about 11pm; a few extra hours the other way shouldn't be that much of a stretch. As for the heat; I'm sure the Australian players are used to high temperatures in our own summer - during the last Test in Perth (I know I was there), it was hovering around 40 degrees for all three days of play...so we know they're not soft.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 11:32 GMT

Shane on this double standard.If Australian players can play in extreme heat and humidity of chennai in IPL then they should also play here in U.A.E

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 11:26 GMT

The UAE is going to be stupidly hot at that time of year and playing late at night isn't the answer. Cricket is after all still a spectator sport. The sensible answer must surely be play these games in England. Warwickshire will I'm sure be glad of the extra revenue given the weather was unkind to their international fixtures this year. In Birmingham there is also a large Pakistani immigrant population as well which will lend a good atmosphere to the games. Manchester is also another good venue given Old Trafford only has two international fixtures an ODI and T20. Lancs I'm sure could do with the money, decent ground which would also be filled up. All we need is decent weather - surely the counties, and relevant boards could make this happen.

ajayvirat
on July 6, 2012, 11:26 GMT

if pakisthan cannot conduct matches in their home country then play in oppositions country,why they always conduct matches in uae?

wrenx
on July 6, 2012, 11:09 GMT

I'm betting the Aussies are feeling mildly embarrassed of their administrators that are making them out to be so fragile. Everyone knows their players always up for a scrap. They play in heat all around the world, and plenty of their players have been playing late-night IPL matches, so Marsh's argument is a farce. Cricket needs to evolve to survive, and getting used to new hours will be part of that

KiwiRocker-
on July 6, 2012, 11:08 GMT

Tariq Nawaz has an excellent Point...What about those non sensical IPL games being played in 40+ heat in Chennai in front of a dusty crowd?

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 11:07 GMT

I think Cricket Australia Management not looks interested to play matches with Pakistan . ICC should intervene and pursue the Australian to play there matches with Pakistan, I am not understand what type of safety they are looking for, UAE is the safes places, we are lucky that the matches will be played in the night, as the people of Gulf and other middle eastern countries used to sleep very late, and it will be a very profitable games as it will pull thousand of people. AC should understand that Pakistan Cricket already suffering due to no Internal games at home.and without this series Pakistan will be financially suffered heavily, already PCB in financial crisis,

ReverseDoosra
on July 6, 2012, 11:05 GMT

The heat conditions are the same for both set of players, and conditions are similar to the Australian heat.
Players have to adjust their sleep patterns all the time while travelling, so pushing your sleep cycle for a few hours shouldnt be an issue.
In short, MAN UP AUSSIES.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 11:03 GMT

why not make it 42 overs game?

dissapointed
on July 6, 2012, 10:53 GMT

First of all, playing on a day that might be a freak of nature such as a 42 degree day is OK, because it's just that, one of those freakish hot days. Scheduling games whereas the temperature could be touching 45 degrees is just plain stupid. You want to see good cricket, not tired players within an hour.
Facing 150k at midnight shouldn't be a problem and all Marsh's statement was that is is unprecedented and it was an area of concern. It hasn't been played that late so who knows how players will react
As far as playing in Pakistan, until that country finds some harmony no one should be touring there.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 10:37 GMT

I don't recollect Aussie players complaining about playing in hot conditions late into the night when they turn out in IPL. Sorry, ACA but you appear to be showing your greedy side here by using this excuse to demand even more.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 10:37 GMT

" If you're standing there facing someone bowling at 150kph, are you going to be more tired at that time of day than you [otherwise] would be?" ... fine we'll put in Afridi, Hafeez, Ajmal, Malik and Rehman as the bowling attack; will you be able to cope with that or wil that be too SLOW for you ACA ? is the this a cricket team of men or babies ?

RyanHarrisGreatCricketer
on July 6, 2012, 10:30 GMT

How the hell can players play till1:45 in da morning just to satisfy broadcast issues?

KiwiRocker-
on July 6, 2012, 10:30 GMT

ACA is a not entity, and it is all utter rubbish. Australia should be ashamed that they have not visited Pakistan for years, but who cares! Pakistan kicked Australia out of World cup. ACA has started to sound more and more like BCCI- A bunch of moaners..Get read! Heat is same heat for Pakistani players mate! When you play teams in Darwin and Perth then no one complaints about heat..What do you want next time? Should Pakistani or Sri Lankans complain when they play in Dunedin next time? Stop applying double stanrdards, Stick to your day job and work on increasing your membership! Pakistan is not particularly interested in playing with Australia unlike India..Pakistan has just hammered England 3-0 and I will not be surprised if Australia also gets white washed on UAE pitches that are closest thing to Pakistan's home pitches. Saeed Ajmal is licking his lips to have a go at ageing so called Australian stars!

vinodkd99
on July 6, 2012, 10:29 GMT

Many posts from people criticising Mr. Marsh. I wont be surprised in case any of the players collapse on account of dehydration or something like that. Utter foolishness to play under searing heat (totally in contrast to cold conditions which are not damaging to your body)

whatawicket
on July 6, 2012, 10:26 GMT

having been in Perth/Melbourne with temps over 40+ i cannot see why they do not just play at normal times. ( on the proviso that it suits the TV companies ). most of the aussie players play in these temps if you are from WA thats normal.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 10:25 GMT

Australia had always been a problem. They want everything on red carpet. PCB should just forget this series. Organise something eslse. stop begging.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 10:20 GMT

And people like MHussey, Bollinger, et al were enjoying the games in Sweltering Chennai in the afternoon. Long live IPL!!!

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 10:19 GMT

Why not ICC and all its members provide Pakistan cricket financial support as it is good for the game and play matches in England where the weather would be acceptable at that time of the year, barring rain.

ozwriter
on July 6, 2012, 10:10 GMT

this is a non-sense issue. stop trying to get unnecessary publicity Mr Marsh. players are paid a heap and a bit of temperature or finishing late in the evening should not be an issue for professional athletes. its hot and late for both teams. and game is for 'marketing reasons', as opposed to 'cricketing reasons'. you can say that about all spectator sports.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 9:59 GMT

ACA is acting like a bunch of spoilt union workers...

Safety issues with sighting the ball?Dont we have day night cricket already:S.

SLEEP PATTERNS??Thats hilarious, These professional cricketers travel aroudn the world, playing in different time zones all the time. They have to adapt to these changing conditions on constant bases.
The attitude of the aussie players(not the board)towards Pakistan tours has been pretty bad for almost a decade now, when they complaint about not enjoying the tours...is this just a continuation>?Pakistanis just want to see quality cricket against top teams.

majawar
on July 6, 2012, 9:53 GMT

I've heard cricket can't be played while it is raining. But not playing because it is HOT. Pathetic! Why ain't PK players or admins complaining. They are also humans same as AUS.

zain-gee
on July 6, 2012, 9:44 GMT

Dear Australians ! I knwo there is not enough money however there is no issu eof safety/security. A part of this no harm, please if IPL OR any Indian lucurative event in placed in day time at 45 C ambeint I believ there is no Issue for ACA.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 9:44 GMT

I think its over, this series will not gona happen

tmd1
on July 6, 2012, 9:35 GMT

SO he thinks it might be dangerous for a batsman being a bit tired with a bowler sending them down at 150klm ,must think that the bowlers dont get tired as well.Not a good arguement me thinks...

umairasgharbutt
on July 6, 2012, 9:33 GMT

now dont make lame excuses !

Heisenburg
on July 6, 2012, 9:32 GMT

We're Australians! We can take a bit of heat, stop complaining ACA.

Ozcricketwriter
on July 6, 2012, 9:27 GMT

They should be playing in Pakistan, not in UAE.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 9:27 GMT

Why can't they play in Florida like NZ and WI. It will do a world of good to the US cricket fans too.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 9:24 GMT

Aussies are just being difficult. There shud be no heat issue as such since the game will start at 6 pm. If theyr crying about the time the game finishes which is 1:45 am, thta is just lame and pathetic. They shud simply adjust their sleeping patterns instead of whining about it. MAN UP OZZIES

Kak-mal_Khan
on July 6, 2012, 9:19 GMT

Don't international cricketers require to adjust to time difference and jet lag as part of their job criteria?

getsetgopk
on July 6, 2012, 9:16 GMT

Its his job to stretch everyone on every possible issue, he's paid to be the head of cricketers association, one of the few occasions he gets to speak up and he's just making sure he doesn't spare the moment. now get on with it!

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 9:16 GMT

ACA though right to some extent, but still they should keep in mind the hardships Pakistan cricket is facing, Pak Cricket is in an era of re-establishment, all cricketing nations needs to support them, and as for as the safety or health issues are concerned, so com on marsh, its matter of a few days and not months or years that you are worried about, Many of us keeps awakened all the night for apparently nothing reasons. Being a leading cricketing nation AUS should fully back Pakistan. After all its a matter of half of a series, not a longer time people.

wrenx
on July 6, 2012, 8:51 GMT

Is it just me, or are the Aussies being very un-Aussie and delicate about this whole situation? I mean, it gets pretty hot in Australia too - why are they being so fussy and childish? Given their recent form in limited-overs cricket, you'd think they'd jump at the chance of some practice before the T20WC in hot conditions

himanshu.team
on July 6, 2012, 8:42 GMT

They say that the series is on for marketing reasons. What kind of marketing sense would it make to have matches starting at 9.45 PM Pakistan time? It will be too late for Aussies to wake up and see either. Who will then be watching these games? Even on the ground, how many people will actually turn up for games that are scheduled to get over well past mid-night?

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 8:39 GMT

Cant have circket played in those oppressive conditions.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 8:38 GMT

grow up aussies, temperature rise in south australia and western australia too... it gets into 40s in january..

RandyOZ
on July 6, 2012, 8:30 GMT

Oh go home. These guys are getting paid a mint they can perform in a bit of heat. Instead of ranting on and on about this how about we sort the selectors out first and make sure we get our best team on the park.

muannis
on July 6, 2012, 8:27 GMT

why not Pakistan considering Bangladesh as host ?

StoneRose
on July 6, 2012, 8:27 GMT

Simple - this tour should not happy in UAE at that time of year. There are about 200 countries in the world - it should not be hard to move. This type of thing will hasten international retirements.

Vernacular_Press
on July 6, 2012, 8:23 GMT

Why cant Australian players bear the heat when Pakistan players can? I guess both countries have similar temperature. They are highly payed to play in any conditions.

No featured comments at the moment.

Vernacular_Press
on July 6, 2012, 8:23 GMT

Why cant Australian players bear the heat when Pakistan players can? I guess both countries have similar temperature. They are highly payed to play in any conditions.

StoneRose
on July 6, 2012, 8:27 GMT

Simple - this tour should not happy in UAE at that time of year. There are about 200 countries in the world - it should not be hard to move. This type of thing will hasten international retirements.

muannis
on July 6, 2012, 8:27 GMT

why not Pakistan considering Bangladesh as host ?

RandyOZ
on July 6, 2012, 8:30 GMT

Oh go home. These guys are getting paid a mint they can perform in a bit of heat. Instead of ranting on and on about this how about we sort the selectors out first and make sure we get our best team on the park.

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 8:38 GMT

grow up aussies, temperature rise in south australia and western australia too... it gets into 40s in january..

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 8:39 GMT

Cant have circket played in those oppressive conditions.

himanshu.team
on July 6, 2012, 8:42 GMT

They say that the series is on for marketing reasons. What kind of marketing sense would it make to have matches starting at 9.45 PM Pakistan time? It will be too late for Aussies to wake up and see either. Who will then be watching these games? Even on the ground, how many people will actually turn up for games that are scheduled to get over well past mid-night?

wrenx
on July 6, 2012, 8:51 GMT

Is it just me, or are the Aussies being very un-Aussie and delicate about this whole situation? I mean, it gets pretty hot in Australia too - why are they being so fussy and childish? Given their recent form in limited-overs cricket, you'd think they'd jump at the chance of some practice before the T20WC in hot conditions

dummy4fb
on July 6, 2012, 9:16 GMT

ACA though right to some extent, but still they should keep in mind the hardships Pakistan cricket is facing, Pak Cricket is in an era of re-establishment, all cricketing nations needs to support them, and as for as the safety or health issues are concerned, so com on marsh, its matter of a few days and not months or years that you are worried about, Many of us keeps awakened all the night for apparently nothing reasons. Being a leading cricketing nation AUS should fully back Pakistan. After all its a matter of half of a series, not a longer time people.

getsetgopk
on July 6, 2012, 9:16 GMT

Its his job to stretch everyone on every possible issue, he's paid to be the head of cricketers association, one of the few occasions he gets to speak up and he's just making sure he doesn't spare the moment. now get on with it!